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Port Authority director job now open

In a conference call Friday Chairman of the Southern Ohio Port Authority (SOPA) Todd Book and Interim Economic Development Director for Scioto County, announced the position of Executive Director of SOPA is now open for those interested in applying.

Based on the official job description for the position, the candidate must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, economics, finance, public administration or a related field. Experience with state, regional or local economic development is desired.

The candidate must have excellent communication and public relations skills with the ability to influence others in a positive manner.

According to the description the salary is commensurate with qualification and job performance with a salary range from $45,000-$70,000.

When SOPA adopted new rules a regulations in April it called for the hiring of an executive director to lead the organization in economic development efforts.

“This person would be the operating officer of the Port Authority and would be responsible for it’s day-to-day operations. Their job would also be to help create and implement a plan for economic development,” Book said.

Book said creating this position brings up two issues for the Port Authority: How are you going to pay for it and where are you going to find this person?

“There are two committees (of Port Authority members) working on these issues. One is to find a director and the necessary staff to make this work. The other committee to to find necessary funding.”

He said the Port Authority is looking at a number of different avenues to fund the position including a public, private partnership.

“We are going to need at least $100,000 to start this operation. We are going to advertise for an executive director with a salary range from $45,000 - $70,000,” Book said. “The idea of trying to levy a tax to pay for this would not be feasible. So, we need to look at a lot of different sources.”

He said one of the places they are looking is local governments.

“Some of the places we’re looking towards include government sources. Right now the county has an Economic Development Department, the city has a sparse economic development and the village of New Boston does as well. We’re talking with those groups to focus one operation to make this (economic development) happen, as opposed to three different groups going in different directions,” Book said. “To be honest, no one is being that effective because they don’t have the time or the funds to make it work so, why not consolidate, and make that make sense.”

When asked if the person filling the role of executive director for SOPA would take his role with the county, Book said, “That’s correct. The county and most of the governmental entities in our community have an executive director type person along with other duties. The commissioners realize for this to be effective, we need someone who’s main purpose is economic development.”

According to the job description resumes will be received until 4 p.m. on Sept. 6. Resumes can be mailed to the Scioto County Commissioners, Court House, 602 Seventh street, Portsmouth, Ohio 45662 or they can be emailed to tbook@sciotocounty.net.

The next meeting of the Southern Ohio Port Authority is set for Aug. 15 at the ADAMHS offices located at 919 Seventh Street in Portsmouth.

For more information about SOPA visit them on Facebook.

Wayne Allen may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 228, or tallen@civitasmedia.com. For breaking news, follow Wayne on Twitter @WayneallenPDT.